What is EcoChoice?
EcoChoice is a certification program, owned and
governed by TIM-BR-MARTS Ltd, to distinguish products which are better for the
environment and the planet we share. From hardware to building materials, the
EcoChoice logo distinguishes products that meet predetermined criteria for
contributing to a cleaner, greener world.
Our Church Point store has one of the largest
concentration of EcoChoice products in Canada. Just look for the symbols
on the shelf as you shop our store.
Product Evaluation
TIMBR Mart evaluates potential EcoChoice certified product
not only by what it is made of, but how it is manufactured, packaged,
transported to market and the environmental impact it will have when in use. To
be certified TIM-BR MART EcoChoice, a product must be proven to have reduced
impact on the environment when compared to other products in the category with
similar purpose. Hardware items must meet two of the following seven criteria;
and Building Material products must meet three of the following seven criteria.
1. Improve Indoor Air Quality with reduced off gassing and mould, and/or
increase air filtration and circulation with no or significantly fewer toxic
ingredients such as VOCs or carcinogens. Reduced chemical exposure risks to
people working on or living in the home. This means products with less or no
toxicity to reduce off-gassing of chemicals into the air and does not generate
or promote mould growth. Product categories include caulking, adhesives, paints,
insulation, sheet goods and floor coverings.
2. Conserve Water by reusing wastewater in the manufacturing process or
products which conserve, collects and/or purifies water during the manufacturing
process or in the home environment. Product categories include low-flush
toilets, water saver shower heads, and some insulation products.
3. Increased Energy Efficiency by decreasing air exchange with the
exterior environment and reduce energy consumption. Products that reduce the
carbon footprint of a home. This is the energy burned to heat and cool a
structure over its lifetime or energy burned to generate power for the home.
Product categories include insulation, windows, and doors, and products which
encourage an energy efficient building envelope.
4. Reduce Waste by using recycled and/or recycleable materials in the
manufacturing process, thereby reducing pressure on the waste stream. Eligible
products feature recycled or recycleable materials, such as fibreglass
insulation made from recycled glass.
5. Packaging and Transportation to market in an environmentally
responsible manner. This means using less packaging or using recycled material
in the packaging, such as cardboard, and either transporting by rail or
manufactured in close proximity to the plant.
6. Manufacturing from raw materials extracted in a responsible and
sustainable manner. This means reducing or removing a negative impact on the
environment. Eligible products include those which are renewable and sustainably
harvested, such as trees grown to FSC certification practices.
7. Reduction in Utility Usage means products that reduce utility usage in
comparison to other products in the same category. Product categories include
thermostats, dimmer switches, weather-stripping, compact florescent bulbs and
low flush toilets.
Products
Throughout our website, whenever you see the EcoChoice
logo
,
you know you have found an EcoChoice product.
Interested
in saving the environment and building better homes? Click here to view
our Energrade program, where we have information on improving your home's energy
efficiency.
